CDA Accelerates Water Projects, Mandates Rainwater Harvesting in Islamabad

Date: Mar 26, 2026

ISLAMABAD: 25 March, 2026: A meeting was held on Tuesday at the CDA Headquarters under the chairmanship of Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, to address water-related issues and review various initiatives and project progress regarding water supply in the Federal Capital Islamabad. The meeting was attended by CDA Board Member Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafiz, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch along with the DG Islamabad Water Imran Ali Zaidi and other relevant officers. The meeting reviewed the progress of water-related projects and initiatives in the Federal Capital Islamabad and issued necessary directions for their timely completion. The meeting was briefed on measures for the upgradation and rehabilitation of water infrastructure in Islamabad. It was informed during the briefing that work is ongoing on various schemes for the rehabilitation and upgradation of waterworks, conduction pipelines, water treatment plants and water pumps. Additionally, the installation of the SCADA system and flow meters for introducing the modern monitoring mechanism for the water system in the Capital City is also in progress. The meeting was apprised of measures regarding rainwater storage and groundwater recharge. It was informed that approximately 100 rainwater rechargeable wells will be constructed at various locations in the Federal Capital Islamabad to raise the groundwater level and prevent water wastage. Similarly, approximately 20 water storage tanks will be constructed at different locations in the Federal Capital to store rainwater. The meeting was further informed that under the CDA building bylaws, rooftop rainwater harvesting has been made mandatory in the Federal Capital Islamabad. Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, directed that strict compliance with the rooftop rainwater harvesting system be ensured in the capital. During the briefing, it was said that an effective mechanism has been established for improving water tanker services and addressing water related complaints through a dashboard system in the Federal Capital Islamabad. The meeting also held detailed discussions on dam projects in the Federal Capital Islamabad. It was informed during the briefing that the feasibility study for the Shahdra Dam project has been completed, while the design phase of the dam project is in its final stages. The meeting was further informed that work on the feasibility study for the Dotara Dam is ongoing and is expected to be completed by May 2026. The meeting also reviewed progress on the establishment of three Sewage Treatment Plants (STP's) on the Korang Nullah. It was informed that this project will be constructed on an EPC basis and the process for hiring a design consultant is underway. The meeting was briefed that the PC-I for 11 wetlands in the Federal Capital Islamabad has been approved and the site selection process for various wetlands is ongoing. Meanwhile, work has commenced on two wetlands with the collaboration of the FDO. Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, directed that clear timelines be followed and ensured for the completion of all projects and initiatives. He instructed that the timely provision of water bills in the Federal Capital Islamabad be ensured under all circumstances. He further directed that a mechanism be established to ensure that water bills are delivered to consumers on a monthly basis without delay. Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that an autonomous Islamabad Water Agency has been established to find permanent solutions to water issues and to modernize the water supply system in the Federal Capital Islamabad. He further said that these measures aim to make the water supply system in the Federal Capital Islamabad better, more transparent and more effective.